12 Questions to Test Our Preparation

Summary

The parables of Matthew 25 are very clear about the Final Judgment of mankind. Neither mentions the word “faith”, or “believe”.

John 3:16 must mean something more than many (most?) are being taught.

Paul encourages us to judge ourselves; Peter, that we would make our call and election sure.

Is it wise to presume about any of the qualifications found in these parables?

In a previous article, The Sky is Falling!! Again?, we proposed that – in speaking about the signs of His coming and the end of the Age, Jesus strongly encouraged His disciples (including us) to avoid deception, endure to the end, resist being troubled; and, above all, be prepared.

Continuing His discourse, Jesus explains what that preparation looks like. He also highlights the rewards for preparing; and the consequences of failing to do so. With that in mind, take all the time you need to read Matthew 25… prayerfully and carefully. Then, please prayerfully consider the following.

The parables of Matthew 25 are very clear about the Final Judgment of mankind. If you have enough oil you will get in to Heaven. If you properly invest the talent that has been entrusted to you, you will get in. If you feed, clothe, etc. the brethren of Jesus Christ, you will get in.

If you fail at these, you will be shut out, cast into outer darkness (where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth), and cursed to the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. In simpler terms: You will go to Hell.

I know this is challenging to many. Jesus said – right there in John 3:16 – that God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son; that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Nothing there about bringing enough oil to the party, being a wise investor, or ministering to the brethren.

At this point we must ask ourselves a few questions: What does believing in Jesus mean? Does it include the requirements of Matthew 25? Is what we know as “faith” enough for salvation; without oil, or return on invested talent, or ministry to the brethren? Is faith without works dead (i.e., ineffectual for our salvation)? How will our faith be judged?

If you are feeling uncomfortable right now, you need to ask yourself two more important questions: If we are concerned about our salvation, are we in danger of losing it? Will we allow our salvation to be called into question?

Beware: If questioning our salvation – or having it questioned – makes us uncomfortable, we may be trusting in our faith for salvation (i.e., having faith in our faith). This is true of many in the church – simply because we do not like our securities challenged. Many church leaders have learned this!

Some Hard Questions

Paul encourages us to judge ourselves (1Corinthians 11:31); Peter, that we would make our call and election sure (2Peter 1:10). In light of Matthew 25, there are some challenging questions that every follower of Jesus Christ should be asking themselves:

If we don’t know what the oil represents, how do we know that we have enough?

If we don’t know what talents we have been entrusted with, how can we be sure they have been invested properly?

If we don’t know in who, what, or where to invest them, how can we be sure we have not buried them in the ground?

Does it make sense to hope we have become sheep; or, simply plan to become one if the opportunity presents itself? Can we presume to be one without evidence?

Is it wise to presume about any of the qualifications found in these parables?

In closing, let me lovingly encourage you to resist the temptation that led to the wicked and lazy servant’s doom (Matthew 25:24-25). He allowed himself to be a deceived, excuse-making, blame-shifter. Don’t let your mind play such tricks on you.